Wellness Month: Prioritizing Senior Health in Mt. Pleasant, IA

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Wellness Month: Prioritizing Senior Health in Mt. Pleasant, IA

According to the American Psychological Association, the number of Americans aged 65 and older could double from 46 million to 98 million by 2060. One out of four 65-year-olds will live past age 90.

If you want to join them, consider improving your physical, mental, and emotional health. This Wellness Month, make a change with whole-person health support in mind.

Not sure where to start? Read on for our senior wellness tips to enhance your retirement in Mt. Pleasant, IA!

Physical Healthy Aging IA

Physical activity is a protective factor for noncommunicable diseases, including:

  • Some types of cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Cardiovascular disease

Exercising is also associated with delaying the onset of dementia and improving mental health. Regular exercise could improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

Despite these health benefits, physical activity levels among seniors remain below the recommended 150 minutes per week. The global prevalence of physical inactivity is 21.4%.

Regular exercise can benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. For active lifestyle aging, schedule time for a variety of exercises weekly, including:

  • 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity
  • Balance exercises
  • Stretches
  • Two weight or resistance training workouts

Exercise is only one component of improving your physical health. Here are a few activities you can add to your senior care routine for physical wellness.

Exercise

Potential health benefits of exercising regularly include:

  • Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved coordination and balance
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Fewer anxiety and depression symptoms
  • Improved bone health
  • Better sleep
  • Improved mood
  • Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Reduced risk of dementia

Explore your senior living community's fitness program to find fun exercise classes. Ask friends to join you. You can challenge and hold one another accountable to exercise regularly.

Add a variety of workouts to your routine.Aerobic activities include:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Dancing
  • Active yoga
  • Cycling
  • Biking
  • Water aerobics

Strength training exercises include lifting weights or using resistance bands. You can use your body weight when doing push-ups and sit-ups.

Improving your strength can reduce the risk of lost muscle mass (a common occurrence as we age). This may help you maintain your mobility and independence.

Before adding new exercises to your routine, consult a physical trainer. They can help you learn the proper form for these exercises, reducing your risk of an accident. 

Exercising can also benefit your mental health.Evidence suggests that physically active people have lower rates of depression and anxiety than sedentary people. Exercising triggers dopamine and serotonin release, which can boost your mood. 

Eating Healthy

Consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. Our lean body mass and metabolic rate decrease as we age. This makes it more difficult for our bodies to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. 

Developing a vitamin deficiency may increase your risk of developing heart disease or osteoporosis. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, as many as 56% of senior women and 45% of men have a vitamin D deficiency. A deficiency may cause:

  • Fatigue
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Mood changes

Try eating more whole foods while avoiding empty calories. Foods that are high in trans and saturated fats can trigger inflammation. Inflammation is associated with chronic illnesses like arthritis.

Consider consulting experts through your senior living community's dining program. They can help you discover nutritious, delicious dishes based on your dietary needs.

Eating a healthy diet may help:

  • Strengthen bones
  • Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • You maintain a healthy weight
  • Boost immunity
  • Improve digestive health
  • Lower the risk of heart disease

Ask your friends to join you for meals. Their presence may encourage you to make healthy choices. Try exchanging your favorite dishes or challenging each other to cook something new!

Resting

Sleeping gives the mind and body time to recharge after a long day. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night may benefit your:

  • Mood
  • Memory
  • Heart health
  • Attention
  • Stress levels
  • Weight

Consult a doctor if you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. They may determine you have an underlying health issue.

Avoid using electronics 30 minutes before bed. Instead, try journaling. Journaling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, leading to better emotional resilience. 

Mental Senior Care Routines

Complete brain-boosting activities to encourage the formation of new neural pathways.This can keep your mind sharp. Try:

  • Playing chess
  • Learning new skills
  • Learning a new language
  • Participating in trivia nights
  • Playing an instrument
  • Playing card games

You can find fun activities through your senior living community's events and activities calendar.

Over seven million Americans have Alzheimer's. This number could reach 13 million by 2050.

If you're struggling to maintain your memory, consider moving into a senior living community that offers memory care. Their comprehensive services may improve your quality of life. 

Emotional Senior Wellness Tips

Your emotional wellness may deteriorate due to:

  • Long-term illnesses
  • Losing loved ones
  • Malnutrition/vitamin deficiencies
  • Physical disability

Try meditating and exploring hobbies to improve your emotional health. Meditating regularly may help:

  • Reduce feelings of loneliness
  • Improve your attention span
  • Ease stress and anxiety
  • Improve your sleep
  • Reduce age-related memory loss

Explore your senior living community's wellness program for guided meditation sessions. 

Adding new hobbies to your routine can give your life a sense of meaning and purpose.Your senior living community may offer:

  • Walking or hiking groups
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Gardening club
  • Film or book club
  • Painting or drawing 
  • Crafting (crocheting, knitting, quilting, etc.)

Ask friends to join you as you explore these activities. Creating a community can boost your mood and quality of life. 

Don't be afraid to try something new! Remember, developing new skills can boost your cognitive health. 

Celebrate Wellness Month in Mt. Pleasant

This Wellness Month, enhance your overall wellness. Use these effective tips to develop thorough senior care routines. Remember, moving into a senior living community can further improve your health and extend your longevity.

Discover your new home at Addington Place of Mount Pleasant. We help residents maintain their independence while offering thoughtful assistance.

Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including senior-centric fitness, in-room dining, and a calendar full of engaging activities. Contact us now to schedule your tour.

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